Podcast Statistics and Trends You Need To Know
By the end of 2024, the number of global podcast listeners is estimated to reach 504.9 million. Learn more interesting statistics about podcasts to get a better understanding of the podcast industry.
By the end of 2024, the number of global podcast listeners is estimated to reach 504.9 million. Learn more interesting statistics about podcasts to get a better understanding of the podcast industry.
Podcasts are one of the fastest-growing media formats. They appeal to a larger audience with their convenience and wide range of topics. Studies reveal that over 504.9 million people in the world are estimated to listen to podcasts in 2024, and there are no signs of slowing down. Podcasts have not only surged in popularity, but they have also brought opportunities to monetize and develop a profitable business model out of podcast shows.
With listeners spending around 7 hours a week on average, podcasts have become a crucial tool for businesses and individuals to market their brands and engage with their target audience. While genres like news, comedy, and true crime have gained a massive popularity in the US and other parts of the world, there is a significant demand for podcasts across all genres and categories.
Whether you are an individual content creator or want to add podcasts to your brand’s marketing mix, you should have some clarity about the current podcast industry and their usage in the US as well as all over the world. Let’s explore some facts and figures about podcasts and their listeners to develop a better understanding of this rapidly-growing industry.
We are witnessing the golden age of podcasts. Considering so many people around the globe have access to the tools needed to start a podcast, it is no surprise that it has become such a popular medium for creative expression. Before we go through all the statistics and trends that can impact your podcasting goals, here are a few of the major highlights of the podcast industry that you should know.
As of August 2024, there are around 4.18 million podcasts in the world. The number usually varies depending on several factors.
If we ignore the podcasts that have been inactive for more than a year, the number may drop to somewhere near 4 million. Nearly 4 million podcast episodes are updated everyday.Â
The number of podcast listeners in the world is expected to reach 504.9 million by the end of 2024, showing an 8.7% increase compared to the previous year. The estimated number is equal to 23.5% of the total internet users. In 2023, there were around 464.7 million podcast listeners worldwide.
It is quite evident that the podcast industry is booming, with millions of listeners tuning in everyday for entertainment, education, or a mix of both. Let’s take a look at the major statistics and trends in 2024 that provide an overview of the current podcast industry at large.
While the rise of podcasts is a global phenomenon, their popularity in the USA is unparalleled. Since a majority of podcasts are published in English, Americans find it easier to get access to a variety of content. Moreover, the vast number of American podcasts is also the reason why the podcast listenership in the US is so massive.
Even though Apple Podcasts is currently second in popularity, it has a loyal fanbase. In fact, Apple Podcasts is unrivaled in terms of podcast downloads. More than 20% of companies recognize Apple podcasts as a major driver of growth for their businesses. Apple’s consistent growth only highlights its strong market position and effective long-term strategies.
The battle for the top spot between Apple Podcasts and Spotify continues as we approach the final quarter of 2024. As of now, Spotify has retained its position as the leading audio podcast platform worldwide and the top podcast published in the US. The growth of Spotify as a podcast platform has been remarkable. In fact, the platform has witnessed an astounding growth rate of over 1,400% in terms of consumption.
The download feature in all the major podcast platforms enables listeners to save the latest podcast episodes of their favorite shows and listen to them on the go. This allows them to have an uninterrupted experience without worrying about the stability of their internet connection. While Apple is the undisputed leader in terms of podcast downloads, there are some crucial statistics about this feature you must know.
The length of a podcast can vary significantly depending on the amount of content the host has to share. Some podcast episodes are as short as less than 10 minutes, while others may be longer than two hours. The episodes of the Joe Rogan Experience are one such example.
Podcasts did not always have the mass appeal they currently have. In the past few years, interest in podcasts for both listeners and creators has skyrocketed, and the COVID-19 pandemic played a major role in it.
Brands and businesses all over the world have started to realize the potential of podcast advertisements and are increasingly investing in them to reach global audiences. In the process, these advertising strategies are helping businesses boost their revenues significantly.
For a major portion of the population, podcasts are a crucial part of their daily routine. Whether you need some form of entertainment on your commute to work or need to unwind after a long day, podcasts offer something for almost everyone. As we approach the final quarter of 2024, it is becoming more evident that the podcasts are here to stay.
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